Walking through one of France’s most well-preserved medieval towns
Not to be confused with Provence located in the South of France, the medieval town of Provins became a UNESCO Heritage site in 2001. Many travel blogs and websites highly recommend Provins as a day trip from Paris.
Provins can be easily reached from Paris via Transilien P at Gare de L’Est using your Navigo pass or purchasing tickets at the metro kiosk.
Like Paris, the best way to see Provins is by walking.
Place du Châtel
The main historical sites in Provins are located around Place du Châtel. After walking uphill from the train station, you will see the top of the Caesar Tower and the dome of the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate church. There are some cute crêperies and cafés around the square to have goûter or a quick drink.
The Holy Ghost Cellar, Le Jouy Gate, and the Ramparts
Walk straight from Place du Châtel and you will find the Jouy Gate and the ramparts that protected the town during the Middle Ages. You can climb up the stone steps and walk along the ramparts to see the view of the surrounding countryside. Another option is to follow the ramparts walk alongAllée des Lépreux andAllée des Ramparts towards the tourist office to see the Saint-Jean gate.
The Holy Ghost Cellar is located on the right of the road near the Jouy Gate. It no longer serves its original purpose as a hospital to accommodate the poor and pilgrims, but instead as a town event space.
Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church
Although this Catholic church began construction in the 12th century, it remains unfinished because there were insufficient funds to complete the project under the reign of Philippe le Bel. The dome was added in the 17th century.
Le Musée de Provins et du Provinois
Learn more about the history of Provins and its people at the local museum, which happens to be situated in one of the oldest buildings in the town. The museum has objects found in Provins and the surrounding area dating from the Neolithic Age (10,200 BC) to the 19th century. Tickets are 4 € for adults, 2€ for a reduced rate.
Casear Tower
The Caesar Tower sits atop the highest point of Provins—it only seems fit that it boasts the best views of the town. It was built to symbolize the Count of Champagne’s power under the reign of Henry the Liberal. Tickets to climb up the tower are 4€30 for adults and 2€80 for children.
Durtient and Voulzie Rivers
There was a dark blue wool cloth that was a well-known export from Provins—the color came from the powerful Durtient River that flowed through the town. The Durtient powered several industries in the town, including the dyer, tanner, and butcher. The Voulzie River is primarily recognized for fishing.
Provins City Center
More restaurants and more modern shops are located in the lower part of the town. The buildings still reflect the medieval spirit as much as the attractions by Place du Châtel.
It’s better to pick up souvenirs in the city center because there is more to choose from for wines and cheeses—as if it wasn’t enough to have historical ties to Champagne, Provins is the origin of Brie de Meaux. Also, it will be easier to carry to the train station upon returning to Paris.
New England Parisienne 
Great pictures!! I didn’t know this town at all even thought I’m French, haha!
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This is very beautiful town. I need to put it on my travel plan.
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What an absolutely stunning town. So cool!
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I have just put this on my list of places I need to go. I live in Paris, so this will be perfect for a day trip. By the way, you have some AMAZING photos. Loved them all.
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Thank you! I’ll be sharing a few other Paris day trips soon 🙂
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Unbelievable photos!
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Thank you!
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GREAT POST, I have been to Paris 4 times and never heard of this place and it’s not even far. Next time I go i will definitely make my way to Provins. It looks magical, I love all that medieval vibe. Your photos are stunning. thank you for sharing
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Thank you! The next time you’re in Paris, be sure to look up day trips that you can take on the RER/Transilien. You’ll be surprised to find that there are plenty of things to see outside of Paris without taking the TGV elsewhere
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I’ve been to Paris a handful of times, but I’ve never considered visiting here. Thanks for the detailed post, I ablsolutely loved your pictures!
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The pictures are beautiful! This place is on my list of places to visit! Looks beautiful!
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Thank you! There are plenty of hidden gems like Provins that are only a train ride away
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Wow! Gorgeous photographs! I love France! I would love to take my family one day. I went when I was a teenager to St. Tropez and Paris; however, this looks like a village that must be visited!
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Thanks Kelsey! There are so many small villages worth seeing outside of Paris and they’re only a train ride away
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Stunningly beautiful! What a picturesque place. Love your take on the village!
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Thank you for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed reading the post
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Your photos are so lovely. I studied in France when I was in college, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate all of the amazing things there were to see. I hope to go back one day, and Provins will be on my list of places to visit!
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You definitely have to go! I completely understand what you mean–I did two short term study abroad trips while I was in college, but I definitely feel like I can appreciate travel more in postgraduate life
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Beautiful pictures Mia ! Do you use HDR mode ? Thank you for have visited m’y website !
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Thank you so much! I actually use an app called Camera + for all of my iPhone photos
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Can I go to Provins with Navigo everday?
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Hi! As long as you have a Navigo pass valid for all zones 1-5, it will work!
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